Ravens: Calais Campbell considering retirement after 2021 season

Baltimore Ravens defensive lineman Calais Campbell is one of the most experienced players in the NFL. And even as he approaches 35, the six-time Pro Bowler is still going strong.

But how much longer does he plan to play for? Campbell addressed that question and more when speaking to the media following Tuesday’s minicamp practice.

He revealed that retirement is something he’s “still figuring out” and that he will “re-evaluate” the decision once the season ends.

Campbell is going to give it everything he’s got in 2021, but his future beyond this season remains in doubt.

The Ravens might lose Calais Campbell to retirement next offseason.

Campbell has said that his goal entering the league was to play 15 years. The 2021 season will mark his 14th year in the NFL — a remarkable feat matched by very few players.

And it’s not as if he’s not still effective either.

In 12 games last season, Campbell recorded 28 tackles, four sacks, five tackles for loss, and 10 QB hits. As a result, he was named to his sixth Pro Bowl — his fourth consecutive appearance.

Campbell remains an important part of an experienced and stout Ravens’ defensive line. Even on an aging defensive line featuring the likes of Brandon Williams, Derek Wolfe, and Justin Ellis, Campbell remains the elder statesman.

Despite only arriving in March of last year, Campbell has quickly become one of the most respected players in the locker room and a leader both on and off the field.

But what happens when he does decide to call it quits? What happens if Campbell moves on after this season?

The Ravens have added some young defensive line depth over the last couple of seasons to eventually supplant their aging starters. One player who should see an uptick in snaps is 2020 third-round pick Justin Madubuike.

Madubuike played a part-time role in his rookie season and is once again expected to be featured in the defensive line rotation this year.

There’s also 2020 fifth-rounder Broderick Washington who has impressed the team this spring. Both Madubuike and Washington could receive a boost in playing time once Campbell inevitably retires.

But how soon will that be? It appears not even Calais Campbell himself knows the answer to that question.

It is something he’s considering, though.